20 Things Hoosiers Once Considered Luxuries That Are Now Taken for Granted

Indiana families once marveled at color televisions, air conditioning, and a single household owning more than one car.

Today, many of those same comforts are so common that people hardly notice them.

These are the items that felt rare and special once upon a time but are now part of everyday life.

Using a Microwave Oven

Microwaves were once futuristic gadgets that amazed families. The idea of heating food in seconds felt unbelievable.

Early models were expensive and bulky, making them out of reach for many households. Those who owned one showed it off with pride.

Over time, prices dropped and the machines became smaller. They went from luxury to kitchen staple in just a few decades.

Today, microwaves are so ordinary that many kitchens come with one built in.

Talking on a Cordless Phone

For years, phones were tied to walls, with cords that stretched across kitchens and hallways. The cordless phone changed everything.

Suddenly, people could walk around the house while talking. It felt like freedom, even if the signal sometimes cut out.

Having one of these phones set a household apart. It was a sign of being up-to-date with technology.

Now, cordless phones have been replaced by cell phones, making the old “luxury” feel almost quaint.

Owning a Color Television

When color televisions first appeared, they were a true status symbol. Families who had one often invited neighbors over just to marvel at the bright screen.

For many households, it took years before they could afford the upgrade. Until then, black-and-white sets were the standard.

Today, televisions are everywhere, and even the smallest sets come with color, high definition, and streaming options.

What was once a rare luxury has now become a normal part of nearly every living room.

Flying on an Airplane

Air travel was once glamorous, with passengers dressing up and treating the experience as special. Tickets were expensive, and only some could afford them.

Families who took vacations by plane stood out. It was seen as a marker of status and success.

Meals, service, and comfort were all part of the package, making the trip feel almost luxurious.

Now, flying has become routine, and while still costly, it no longer carries the same sense of exclusivity.

Having Air Conditioning at Home

Air conditioning was once reserved for theaters, offices, and only the most well-off households. For many, the only option was to open windows and use fans.

When central air began appearing in homes, it felt like a game-changer. Summers instantly became more bearable.

At the time, families saw it as a major investment, not just another appliance. It symbolized comfort and progress.

Now, most people can’t imagine life without it, forgetting how rare it once was.

Eating Fast Food

When fast food chains first spread, eating out was still considered a treat. Burgers and fries were exciting because they weren’t an everyday meal.

Families sometimes saved a visit for weekends, birthdays, or road trips. It carried the feeling of doing something special.

As chains grew, prices dropped, and locations multiplied, making them more accessible. What was rare became normal.

Today, fast food is so common that people barely think of it as anything out of the ordinary.

Owning More Than One Car

There was a time when having even a single car was a big accomplishment. A second car in the driveway meant true convenience and comfort.

It allowed families more freedom, letting one person go to work while another ran errands or took kids to school.

Neighbors noticed when a household added another vehicle. It was a clear sign of financial stability.

Today, multi-car households are common, and many people see it as a necessity rather than a luxury.

Installing a Dishwasher

For decades, washing dishes by hand was the norm. A dishwasher was a rare appliance that only some families had.

Those lucky enough to own one often bragged about how much time it saved. It became a modern badge of convenience.

Early models were expensive and not always reliable, but the idea of skipping sink duty made them worth it.

Now, dishwashers are a standard part of most kitchens, so common that people rarely stop to appreciate them.

Taking Long-Distance Phone Calls

Phone calls used to be carefully timed and limited, especially if the person lived far away. Long-distance charges could add up quickly.

Families often saved calls for special occasions or emergencies, knowing the minutes were expensive. It made each conversation feel important.

Hearing from someone across the country felt exciting, almost like receiving a gift. It wasn’t something taken lightly.

With cell phones and unlimited plans, the idea of a “long-distance call” has nearly vanished.

Having Cable Television

When cable first arrived, it opened up dozens of channels that most households had never seen before. It felt endless compared to the few network stations available.

Families gathered around to flip through options, amazed at the variety of shows and movies. Having cable made a home feel modern.

At first, the service was pricey, and not everyone could afford it. Those who did often saw it as a big upgrade.

Now, with streaming and digital access, cable feels almost ordinary, even as people move past it.

Owning a Personal Computer

The first home computers were bulky, expensive, and seen as cutting-edge. Few households had them, and those that did treated them with care.

They were often used for work or learning, not just games or browsing. Sitting in front of one felt futuristic.

Friends and neighbors sometimes came over just to see the new technology in action. It was a true point of pride.

Today, computers are everywhere, from desktops to laptops to tablets, and few people remember when they were rare.

Having Central Heating

Before central heating, families relied on fireplaces, wood stoves, or small heaters to stay warm. Heating an entire home evenly was almost unheard of.

When central systems became available, they were expensive but life-changing. Comfort suddenly reached every room in the house.

The technology quickly became a symbol of progress. Families no longer had to crowd around one warm spot.

Now, central heating is standard in most homes, rarely thought of as a luxury.

Using a Car With Power Windows

For years, rolling windows by hand was the only option. Power windows felt like a luxury feature found only in newer cars.

The smooth glide of glass at the push of a button impressed passengers. It was both convenient and stylish.

At first, only high-end vehicles had them, making it a feature worth showing off. Drivers saw it as a modern touch.

Today, most cars come with power windows as a default, and cranks are nearly a thing of the past.

Having a Washer and Dryer at Home

For many years, doing laundry meant hauling baskets to a laundromat or using a clothesline outside. Having machines at home was a major upgrade.

It saved time, energy, and countless trips back and forth. Families who had both a washer and dryer were seen as fortunate.

The convenience quickly became tied to comfort and modern living. Guests often noticed when a household owned a full set.

Now, most homes include them, and few stop to think about how big a luxury it once was.

Having a Personal Car Radio

Car radios were once an expensive extra, not a standard feature. Listening to music on the road felt like a luxury.

Families with one often showed it off, turning up the volume for passengers. Road trips instantly felt more exciting.

The ability to choose stations instead of relying on silence or conversation was groundbreaking. It changed the driving experience.

Now, radios and full sound systems are built into every car, making the old excitement seem quaint.

Owning a VCR

Before video recorders, watching movies meant going to theaters or catching them when they aired on TV. The VCR brought entertainment home.

Renting movies became a cultural event, and families proudly displayed their growing tape collections.

At first, the machines were costly, and tapes weren’t cheap either. Owning one meant you had access to something special.

Today, streaming makes the VCR feel ancient, but it was once one of the ultimate household luxuries.

Having Hot Running Water

There was a time when hot water wasn’t available at the turn of a faucet. Families heated it on stoves or relied on outdoor pumps.

The arrival of water heaters changed everything. Showers, baths, and dishwashing suddenly became easier and more comfortable.

Homes with hot running water were admired, since it meant real convenience. It was a clear sign of progress.

Now, most households take it for granted, barely noticing how much luxury it once represented.

Using a Credit Card

Credit cards were once reserved for wealthier families or those with excellent credit. Carrying one felt like a mark of status.

They offered freedom from carrying cash, which was a novelty at the time. Shopping with a card felt sophisticated.

As banks made them more accessible, they became a common part of daily spending. People slowly adjusted to the new norm.

Today, credit cards are so widespread that many carry several without thinking twice.

Having Indoor Plumbing

Indoor bathrooms were once a rare upgrade. Many households relied on outhouses well into the 20th century.

When bathrooms moved indoors, it changed hygiene, comfort, and convenience dramatically. It was no longer necessary to step outside in all kinds of weather.

The change marked a shift toward modern living. Guests noticed right away when a home had plumbing.

Now, indoor plumbing is expected, though it was once considered a true luxury.

Owning a Camera for Personal Use

Photography was once limited to professionals or families who could afford special equipment. Cameras were heavy, fragile, and expensive.

When smaller, affordable models appeared, they became prized possessions. People saved them for important events.